Cleated Sole Composite Structure for Artificial Turf Impact and Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleated footwear fails to adequately address the increased impact forces and higher surface temperatures associated with artificial turf surfaces, lacking sufficient cushioning and cooling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cleated sole assembly with a sole plate and cleats featuring a core of a harder material and an outer layer of a softer material, along with a circulation plate that creates a cavity for air flow, enhancing cushioning and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleated footwear is used on artificial turf, then traction is provided, but impact forces and surface temperatures increase causing discomfort and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat is constructed with a composite structure featuring a harder core material for durability and traction, surrounded by a softer outer layer material for cushioning. This composite material approach allows the single cleat structure to simultaneously provide grip on artificial turf while reducing impact forces transmitted to the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleat are assigned different material properties - the core uses harder material for structural integrity and ground penetration, while the outer layer uses softer material for shock absorption. This local differentiation of material quality enables the cleat to address multiple functional requirements within a single component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If artificial turf surfaces are used, then playing surface availability increases, but surface temperatures become higher causing foot discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation plate introduces a localized cooling structure beneath the sole plate, creating a thermal management system in the specific region where heat accumulation occurs (between the foot and the hot sole plate). This local quality change addresses the temperature issue without affecting the overall cleat design for artificial turf performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation cavity and apertures create a pneumatic cooling system that allows air flow through the sole assembly. This pneumatic approach uses air movement to dissipate heat from the sole plate, reducing the temperature transmitted to the foot while maintaining the structural integrity needed for artificial turf play.
3Strength
If harder sole plate materials are used for durability on artificial turf, then wear resistance improves, but cushioning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat structure implements local quality differentiation by using harder material in the core for wear resistance and structural strength, while incorporating softer material in the outer layer for cushioning. This spatial variation in material properties allows the same component to simultaneously achieve durability and shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of harder core material and softer outer layer material creates a composite cleat structure that integrates the beneficial properties of both materials. The harder core provides wear resistance against artificial turf surfaces, while the softer outer layer provides cushioning, resolving the contradiction between strength and comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides improved cushioning, support, and cooling, particularly on artificial turf surfaces, reducing the impact of harder surfaces and maintaining comfort during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation plate is disposed on the lower surface of the sole plate, and extends from a heel portion of the sole plate to a midfoot portion of the sole plate, and defines a circulation cavity between the sole plate and the circulation plate
Implementation Method 2
an outer layer on the core and formed of a second material that is softer than the first material
Implementation Method 3
The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An article of footwear (10) includes an upper (12) and a sole assembly (10,14) secured to the upper (12). The sole assembly (10,14) includes a sole plate (30,32) having a lower surface (34), and a plurality of cleats (32) extending downwardly from the lower surface (34). Each cleat (32) has a central recess (36) formed therein, a core (38) formed of a first material, and an outer layer (40) on the core (38) and formed of a second material that is softer than the first material.